Hudson: Children's fishing derby returns Saturday

Friday

Apr 11, 2014 at 12:14 AM

By Jeff MalachowskiDaily News Staff

HUDSON – In hopes of reeling in the biggest and most fish, hundreds of youths will cast their lines into Tripp’s Pond Saturday morning during the annual George Chiasson Memorial Fishing Derby.First held nearly 50 years ago, the derby ran for nearly 30 years before it was abruptly canceled, said Recreation Director Linda Ghiloni, who is not sure why it was stopped.In the late 1990s, the fishing derby made a comeback due to the efforts of the Hudson Oddfellows, including George Chiasson, but it only lasted two years before the town made plans to dredge Tripp’s Pond, said Ghiloni.When town officials opted against dredging the pond several years ago, the Recreation Department brought the derby back and named it in Chiasson’s honor. Chiasson, a former park commissioner and fan of the derby, died in 2007.Despite rainstorms the past few years, the derby has attracted as many as 200 children in search of trout. Ghiloni is expecting about 175 kids this year despite predictions of a rainy Saturday."It is good for fishing," Ghiloni said of the rainy weather.The Recreation Department stocked the pond with about 200 trout this week, said Ghiloni.Prizes will be awarded for the first fish caught, the biggest fish, as well as the most fish caught in each age bracket. Age groups vary from 6 and under, 7 to 11 and 12 to 16.A tradition in town, the fishing derby is a popular event for both children and families, said Ghiloni."It’s just a fun event for local residents," she said.The derby will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is $3 per child, which includes a goodybag.For more information visit www.hudsonrecreation.com.Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or Jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.